Chhath Puja 2026: Dates, 4-Day Schedule and Rituals from Nahay-Khay to Usha Arghya

When and How Chhath is Celebrated

When the Sun’s offering binds our earth & spirit, Chhath Puja 2026 heralds renewal.

Chhath Puja is a lesser heard of ancient Vedic ritual of gratitude, wherein a four-day festival is held that is dedicated to Surya Dev (Sun God) and Chhathi Maiya. It is more royally celebrated in Eastern India, especially parts of Bihar, eastern Uttar Pradesh, Jharkhand, as well as a few territories of Nepal. The disciples of this festival follow stringent rules of purity, and devotion. Devotees also offer arghya to the setting and rising sun, while immersing themselves waist-deep in water to seek blessings of health, prosperity, and family harmony. 

Chhath Puja 2026 Dates and Schedule

In 2026, the four-day festival will be held from 13 to 16 November. It begins with Nahay-Khay, proceeds through Kharna, then Sandhya Arghya, and ends with the Usha Arghya & Parana. 

Chhath is not merely a ritualistic festival, it is, in fact, a personal vow of purity, reverence, and renewal. Its relevance stems from the age we live in- an age of haste, fast-paced lives, agitation and hustle-bustle. In this context, observing Chhath re-fosters our bond with nature, and the cosmic rhythms of the Sun, as well as, with life itself. Every part of the festival, be it fasts, water offerings, or songs (folk chants)- bring both inner purification and outer blessing. For families, especially those far from their native places, Chhath grounds them in roots, heritage, and collective memory.

All Four Days Rituals and Dates: Spiritual Connection Through Devotion

It also offers a powerful message: that light (Surya’s energy) sustains life, and gratitude is the bridge between what we receive and what we become.

While many focus solely on arghya, one subtle yet powerful, and often overlooked, practice is “Kosi Bharna” wherein, a symbolic pot is filled with grains, sugarcane, and offerings placed beside the riverbank. It represents the filling of your home with abundance, fertility, and prosperity. Don;t forget to concentrate on your deepest intention as you place it, as it literally symbolizes a physical anchor to your silent prayers.

• Begin Nahay-Khay with a sunrise bath and a sattvic meal (pumpkin, rice, chana) on Friday, 13 November.
  
• Saturday, 14 November (Kharna), complete your fasting through the day, so in the evening, you can offer kheer and roti to Chhathi Maiya before taking your first meal.
  
• On Sunday, 15 November (Sandhya Arghya), at sunset (05:28 PM in New Delhi, 05:01 PM in Patna), when you are immersed knee-deep in clean water (river, pond or Ghat) you must offer arghya to the setting sun (with fruits, thekua, sugarcane etc.)
  
• On Monday, 16 November (Usha Arghya), at sunrise (06:44 AM in New Delhi, 06:08 AM in Patna), stand again and offer the final arghya to the rising Sun. Then break your fast with prasad and share with family.
  
• Sing folk songs or recite the Chhath katha quietly as you stand before the sun. Ensure purity and Sattvic meals, if not- try refraining from non-vegetarian food, onion, garlic, impure thoughts.

Ganesha’s Blessings for Chhath Puja 2026

Ganesha’s blessings: When you immerse yourself knee-deep in sacred water and offer your devotion to the Sun, Ganesha blesses your life with vitality and your family with togetherness and love, and most importantly, your spirit with transcendental purity. May Chhathi Maiya bring you strength, love, and the courage to keep your vows intact.

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 Our verified astrologers will help align your actions with cosmic timing, and let this Chhath become truly a turning point in your journey of light.